Feeds and Credits

Now this is a little more my speed. Some abstraction and impressionism, but some realism, too. I painted this picture twice today. The first one used more glazing, more overlapping patches of color in the main tree. I put that aside and tried another where the leaf patterns were painted more wet in wet. This seasonal creek is really at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. The trees are beautifully green now, but I liked them better when they were decked out in reds and golds along with the green.

Thanks to everyone for all your thoughtful and insightful comments about the abstract exercise and the experience of coming under the influence of a teacher, or a artistic friend with a distinctive style.

A propos of that, today’s art advice is a quote from Frank LaLumia, plein air painter, as quoted in the January 2006 American Artist magazine.

“When you are responding to the subject rather than painting in a preconceived manner, you will find yourself doing things spontaneously, differently. In this way, every year your painting will look more like itelf and less like that o your teachers or other influences.”

That is! great! you nailed it! (I’m sorry I lack the expressions). Now you focused the details where necessary and let the periferal suggested, so not distracting the viewer’s eye. Just think what would happen if you paint all the leaves in detail; it would become ruined. This is pure beauty! My admiration to your achievements.

Karen, I do prefer this to the abstract one. I think it shows that you enjoyed yourself with it. And what you do so very well is to capture sunlight and shade in a way that feels like being there for me as a viewer.

Karen, this is beautiful. I love everything about it–the lifts, the shadows, the colors, the edges. WOW!! You are such a good example of an artist who improves by leaps and bounds b/c she is working every day and painting, painting, painting. Thank you for sharing your work and struggles and thoughts with us.

You are producing some very, very fine work! They’re all stunning! I’m with you though – your abstraction is amazing, but I have to have some
realism too. Just enough in this sketch – it is fantastic! You already have a style. I can recognize your work right away. That’s something we all
strive for – our voice – you have yours, and it sings.